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Problem guide

Why is my oven not heating?

Updated · Sources listed at the end

Short answer

On electric ovens, a failed bake element is common and often visibly damaged. On gas ovens, a weak igniter is the most common cause — it glows but doesn't get hot enough to open the gas valve. Before either, rule out a tripped breaker and settings like delay-start or control lock.

Built-in oven with its door open and interior lit

Gas safety

Act now

  • If you smell gas, don't use switches or flames. Leave and call your gas utility or 911 from outside.

Possible causes, in the order they're usually ruled out

Oven not heating
  1. Settings & powerDelay start, control lock, breakerYou can check
  2. Bake element (electric)Breaks or blisters visible when coolCheck, then technician
  3. Igniter (gas)Glows but too weak to open the valveTechnician
  4. Temperature sensorWrong reading to the controlTechnician
  5. Control board / relayDoesn't send power to the heat sourceTechnician
A symptom points to possible causes. Only testing confirms one.

Rule out settings first

  • Delay-start or timed cook active
  • Control lock / Sabbath mode
  • Clock not set (some ovens won't operate)
  • Breaker (electric)

Possible causes

SymptomElectricGas
No heatBake element, relay, wiringIgniter, gas valve
Broil onlyBake elementBake igniter
Slow to heatElement, sensorWeak igniter
Heating parts in an electric ovenBroil elementTemperaturesensorConvection fanBake element
Electric ovens heat with a bake element (bottom) and broil element (top), switched by the control using a temperature sensor; convection models add a rear fan. Gas ovens replace the elements with burners lit by a hot-surface igniter — a weak igniter is a common cause of slow or no heat.

What you can look at

With the oven off and completely cool, look at the bake element. Breaks, blisters, or a burned spot mean it needs replacing. Don't remove panels or test with power on.

Close-up of black oven control knobs on a stainless control panel

Don't attempt

Leave this to a professional

  • Removing back panels or testing parts with power on
  • Any work on the gas valve, igniter, or gas supply

How it's diagnosed

For electric ovens, a technician checks the element, the temperature sensor's resistance, and whether the control's relay sends power. For gas ovens, they time the igniter and measure its current: a weak igniter glows without drawing enough current to open the gas safety valve.

Cost and repair-or-replace

Elements and igniters are routine repairs. A control board costs more; if it's discontinued for your model, replacement may be the only option. Wall ovens are worth repairing more often because a new one must fit the cutout.

What to request

A symptom points to likely causes; only testing confirms one. If the checks above don't solve it, request a diagnosis for oven repair and mention what you've already checked.

Common questions

How do I know if my gas oven igniter is bad?

A common sign is an igniter that glows but the burner doesn't light within a minute or two. A technician confirms it by measuring the igniter's current draw.

Need oven repair? Call now

Pricing, timing, and appointments are confirmed by the repair provider.

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